A police helicopter was scrambled to hunt for two people who tried to steal a cash machine from a service station early today.

The search began after the would-be thieves fled empty-handed from the Esso service station in Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, at about 12.45am.

Police, who are still seeking the raiders, believe they tried to pull the machine from its mountings near the station's entrance using a green Mitsubishi Shogun.

Station manager Chris Fox said: “The base of the machine was damaged but that’s all.

“There was a car involved and I understand they wrapped something around the machine and tried to pull it out of its footings.”

She added: “It was only a matter of time before this happened. The machine has only been there for three weeks.

“The footings are very thick and there are bollards around the machine.”

Police say neighbours were disturbed by a loud noise and two people were seen running off along Commercial Road.

The H-registered Shogun was left at the station.

The machine was cordoned off early today while forensic officers dusted it for fingerprints and searched for other evidence.

Police want to hear from anyone who was in the area, or saw the Shogun in the area, around the time the incident happened.

Det Sgt Richard Pringle said: “Something must have happened to make the two people run off. It may have been that there were people or vehicles nearby. It would be a great help to our investigation to hear from anyone who was in the area.

“We have removed the abandoned vehicle and have a number of lines of inquiry to follow.”